I had MVD surgery December 18th and it was a complete success!
My husband and mother accompanied me to the hospital. We were all trying to be strong for each other; my mother is a huge crier and if anyone anywhere in the world starts crying so will she. We arrived early and went through all the precursor procedures. The hospital staff was wonderful and helped to put me and my family at ease. I remember talking to the all the doctors and surgical staff, I remember kissing my family before being wheeled into surgery. I remember arriving in the operating room, receiving more information and then having the gas mask put over my mouth and nose and being told to breathe deeply.
The next 24 hours are a complete blur. My surgeon advised that I had two blood vessels wrapped around my #5 nerve which is why I was in so much constant, intolerable pain. Medication would have never fixed that.
My husband brought my son to the hospital to visit after the surgery but I had no idea he was there until he said, "Bye Mom." I couldn't even respond because I was so out of it. I began to get my wits about me later that night. Once I became totally conscious I noticed that I didn't have any pain. They gave me a continuos dose of pain medication interveinously and I was feeling lovely. The next day I was out bed and moving around on my own. I was still extremely nauseous and it took another 24 hours before I could keep anything on my stomach.
I continued to progress and on the morning of the 20th was discharged. I have a 5" incision in my head that begins an half inch into my neck muscle and stops near the top of my ear. The incision does not present any pain but limits my movements and actvities. I was given several prescriptions for pain but try not to take them unless absolutely necessary (that has not been too often). I don't really have "swimmers" ear but I get a tingling sensation from time-to-time. The right side of my face, tongue, teeth and cheek are numb but the numbness is regressing daily.
There are no signs of the TN sensations whatsoever. I can eat, brush my teeth, everything. I can't believe it. No pain and am on my way to getting my life back. Surgery was definitely the best option for me.
That’s wonderful news!
Thank you for sharing the details of your surgery, including the photos.
I wish you continued healing, and rest.
Take care of you,
(((( hugs ))))
Mimi xx
This is so good to hear, and so encouraging to others. Thank you for sharing. I’m so glad your feeling better. Now get lots of rest, take it easy, and enjoy little or no pain. Hope your recovery is easy pesy and congrats on the successful surgey.
Very happy to hear of your successful MVD surgery. Best wishes for a speedy recovery. You now have a "second" birthday. December 18, the day your TN pain ended. What a great Christmas present. Good luck
You are absolutely correct - December 18th is my 2nd birthday and the best Christmas gift ever. I know that I am not completely out of the woods but to see a clearing is more than I thought was possible. Thank you for the support and encouragement. Happy Holidays and a blessed New Year.
RickRI said:
Very happy to hear of your successful MVD surgery. Best wishes for a speedy recovery. You now have a "second" birthday. December 18, the day your TN pain ended. What a great Christmas present. Good luck
Thanks Kari. Rest is the most important thing right now and I need to stop being hard headed and enjoy this down time. Happy holidays to you and your family.
Kari said:
This is so good to hear, and so encouraging to others. Thank you for sharing. I'm so glad your feeling better. Now get lots of rest, take it easy, and enjoy little or no pain. Hope your recovery is easy pesy and congrats on the successful surgey. :)
Hi KC. Thanks for the reminder. You kinda get carried away with not feeling that tingling that is the onslought of hours of indescribable pain. I'm going to take it easy and rest but still enjoy these moments of pain freedom. Happy Holidays and continued pain freedom to you.
#1 thing to remember -- nerves take an ENTIRE year to heal -- At week 11
I had a 7 week setback (way less pain but still scary) - then all was fine and it's been over a year!
Hi Mimi! I am still doing pretty good. No TN pain although I do have frequent headaches. The headaches are quite painful but I can deal with it. I'm just so gald the TN pain is no longer a monopolizing factor in my life. Thanks for checking in on me.
